Bill Text: IL SB1657 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Veto Message


Bill Title: Creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. Provides that it is unlawful for a person to engage in the business of selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring firearms without a license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a dealership agent other than a dealer licensee-in-charge may act on behalf of the licensed dealership without being licensed as a dealer under the Act. Creates the Gun Dealer Licensing Board consisting of 5 members appointed by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation to recommend policies, procedures, and rules relevant to the administration and enforcement of the Act. Provides that the holder of a dealership license issued under the Act may employ in the conduct of his or her business dealership agents. Establishes qualifications for obtaining dealership licenses and for being employed as a dealership agent. Establishes penalties for violations of the Act. Provides for rulemaking, including emergency rulemaking. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that the Act is repealed on January 1, 2028. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Makes conforming changes.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 58-0)

Status: (Failed) 2018-04-26 - Total Veto Stands [SB1657 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-SB1657-Veto_Message.html

March 13, 2018

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 1657 from the 100th General Assembly, which would create a largely duplicative state level of licensing and regulation of gun dealers on top of existing federal licensing and regulation that would do little to improve public safety.

The core issue is not which guns to legally ban or regulate. We have ample proof that such narrowly focused legislative responses make for good political cover, but they do little to stop the illegal flow of guns into Illinois or prevent people from committing thousands of crimes in our state each year with illegal guns.

While I cannot support this costly and largely redundant legislation, I am committed to engaging in thoughtful, bipartisan conversation to prevent criminals from gaining access to guns.

Our state is in desperate need of public safety solutions that will protect our citizens from those who would do them harm. There are no easy answers or quick fixes to the threat of gun violence, but answers do exist if we have the political will to work together to quickly develop and implement a comprehensive package of practical solutions.

Positions divide, but interests unite. All sides of the gun debate share a common interest to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. In the coming days I plan to roll out a plan to achieve that goal and provide real solutions to real problems. I look forward to working with all parties willing to come together to secure our schools, combat crime, and make everyone in Illinois safer.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1657, entitled “AN ACT concerning firearms”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

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